How to restore and paint wrought iron

As with any restoration project, proper surface preparation is essential for a long-lasting result. Before you pick up a brush, you need to:

• clean the surface;
• remove the rust;
• treat any remaining rust residue to stabilize it.

Cleaning wrought iron is not complicated! The goal is simply to remove contaminants that could affect paint adhesion, such as dust, dirt, sand, and grease.

A few days before the work, you can clean the surface using a pressure washer. Then make sure to let the wrought iron dry completely before moving on.

Want to start the work the same day?

• Sweep and dust the surface thoroughly.
• To remove dirt and greasy contaminants, you can also wipe it down with a cloth soaked in a fast-drying solvent, such as methyl hydrate.

If your wrought iron is already badly eaten away by rust, you will need to break out the sandblaster or grinder to remove the most damaged areas.

By removing rust, grinding helps smooth the surface and improve its appearance. It also creates a healthier, more adhesive base for primer and paint. That way, you ensure the new coat of paint will last much longer!

• The ideal tool for sanding your wrought iron is a flap wheel disc or a steel brush. The flaps make it easy to sand corners and hard-to-reach decorative details.
• When you are done, make sure to remove sanding residue by rinsing or dry dusting.

After removing as much rust as possible, applying a metal conditioner helps treat the oxidation residue that remains on the wrought iron.

The product chemically converts rust into a more stable metallic compound. This helps stabilize the surface and create a better base for applying primer and paint.

The conditioner also offers good long-term protection because it helps slow the return of rust. It can even neutralize the oxidation process before rust is visible to the naked eye.

In short, it is a step worth adding to your project: you better prepare your wrought iron for the finish while reducing the risk of rust coming back quickly.

Do you want to maximize the life of your wrought iron and delay the return of rust? If so, it is in your best interest to apply a rust-inhibiting primer.

These primers are generally industrial-grade products. They can sometimes be a bit less pleasant to apply, but they offer superior protection and help extend the life and appearance of your wrought iron.

Apply MetalForce rust-inhibiting primer

• Before application, thin MetalForce primer with MetalForce thinner. The recommended thinning ratio is 10%. For 1 litre of primer, add 100 ml of thinner.
• The primer is applied by spraying. You can focus only on the areas where rust was present, but for the best possible protection, it is ideal to cover the entire surface.
• Then let the primer dry for at least 30 minutes before applying the rustproof paint.

With proper surface preparation and a suitable finishing system, your wrought iron can keep its appearance and resist rust for many years.

To protect your wrought iron long term, choosing the finish paint is just as important as surface preparation.

You have two options: a residential metal paint or an industrial-grade one.

We explain the pros and cons of each option.

Choosing between residential or industrial rustproof paint

All-purpose rustproof paints are generally easier and more pleasant to apply. They usually require no thinning or catalyst and can be applied with a brush, a roller, or a sprayer.

Industrial rustproof paints require a bit more preparation and are generally applied with a sprayer. In return, they offer superior protection and durability, which can be worthwhile for wrought iron that is highly exposed to the elements or when you want to maximize the life of the finish.

No matter which system you choose, plan on at least two finish coats for adequate protection. Always follow the drying times recommended by the manufacturer and pay close attention to weather conditions before, during, and after application.

Apply residential rustproof paint

With HP2200 metal paint, you get easy application as well as good durability. For application, no need to overthink it! You can apply it with a brush or a roller, like standard paint. If you want to apply it with a sprayer, follow these specifications:

Airless spraying: Pressure: 1500 – 2200 psi Nozzle: 0.015 – 0.019

• Stir the rustproof paint with a stick. Make sure to scrape the bottom to avoid pigment deposits. Throughout application, remember to stir from time to time.
• Use a poly-nylon brush or a premium-quality roller to avoid imperfections and bristles getting stuck in the paint.
• Apply an even coat over the entire surface.
• Let dry for at least 8 hours.
• Apply a second coat, following the same application steps as for the first.

Apply an industrial metal paint

If you are looking for the most durable solution to protect your metal, Pépin’s MetalForce rustproof coating is hard to beat. This industrial-grade paint offers excellent corrosion resistance and weather resistance, making it an excellent choice for fences, steel structures, farm machinery, or any other project where maximum durability is a priority.

However, applying it requires more preparation than a residential paint. Before you start, you need to thin it with the recommended solvent. For an even tougher finish and to prevent the paint from wrinkling during application, it is also recommended to add urethane catalyst 4000-23.

Thinning MetalForce rustproof coating

Proper thinning makes application easier and allows the coating to perform at its full potential.

• Add slow ST653 or regular ST661 solvent (for spray-gun application), up to a maximum of 10%. For example, pour 100 ml of solvent for 1 L of paint.
• Then add urethane catalyst 4000-23, also up to a maximum of 10%. For 1 L of paint, you can therefore add up to 100 ml of solvent and 100 ml of catalyst.
• Mix everything well with a wooden stick until you get a uniform mixture.
• Once the catalyst has been added, you have about 4 hours to use the paint. After that, the mixture will no longer deliver the expected results.

Apply MetalForce rustproof coating

MetalForce rustproof coating is applied with a paint sprayer.

• Start by applying a first coat, following the recommended thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 mils dry film.
• For best results, apply the paint when the air and surface temperature is between 15 and 32°C.
• Then let dry for 15 to 45 minutes, and apply a second coat of the same thickness. The paint will be dry to the touch after about 45 minutes.

You will then need to wait 24 to 48 hours for it to reach full strength. If you added catalyst 4000-23, curing will be faster and the finish will be even more durable.

Start your project now!

You will find all the products you need directly on our website.

1. Start by measuring the dimensions of your wrought iron to calculate how much rustproof paint you need.
   • Rust-inhibiting primer covers about 350 sq ft per gallon.
   • MetalForce rustproof paint covers between 400 and 500 sq ft.
2. Choose the colour you want for your wrought iron.
3. Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.

Want to learn more about metal finishing and paint in general? Visit the section of our website dedicated to this topic!